Top 10 - Week 8

Despite falling to Port Charlotte, the Bobcats (2-4) remain in the poll because the teams behind them could not take advantage. Next: Friday home against Sarasota in a district game.

Last week: Not ranked

9. Cardinal Mooney

The Cougars (4-1) return to the top 10 after an impressive victory at St. Petersburg Catholic. Next: Friday at home in the first district game against a struggling Out-of-Door team.

Last week: No. 8

8. Braden River

The Pirates (4-2) get a much-deserved week off after an emotional, hard-fought homecoming victory over Bayshore. Next:Oct. 25 at home vs. North Port in a district game.

Last week: No. 5

7. Palmetto

The Tigers (3-3) need to focus on the first three quarters and put the fourth quarter against Manatee in the rearview mirror in preparation for this week’s huge district game. Next: at Lakewood Ranch.

Last week: No. 7

6. Riverview

With a win over Southeast, the Rams (3-2) have momentum entering their most important game of the season. Next: Friday at Palm Harbor University in a key 8A-7 contest.

Last week: No. 6

5. Charlotte

Nice bounce back game for the 4-2 Tarpons, who had to come from behind to defeat a talented and athletic American (Hialeah) team at home. Next: Friday at Fort Myers in a critical 7A-11 game for both.

Last week: No. 4

4. Lakewood Ranch

The Mustangs (4-2) had a week off to rest up and scheme for their biggest game of the season, a home district contest against Palmetto. Both teams are unbeaten in 7A-10.

Last week: No. 3

3. Port Charlotte

As expected, the Pirates (6-0) had a slight letdown against North Port. But the sign of a good team, Port Charlotte battled through and came away with a victory. Next: at Friday home vs. Riverdale (Fort Myers) in the final regular season home game at Pirate Cove.

Last week: No. 2

2. Venice

The Indians (6-1) keep rolling, showing no mercy in a victory at Sarasota. Of note: Plano East, the team Venice defeated Sept. 27 in Texas lost 62-17 to the No. 2 team in the country Allen, which has a $60 million stadium. Next: Friday at home vs. 5-1 Largo in a district game involving unbeaten teams in Class 6A-District 7.

Last week: No. 1

1. Manatee

The Hurricanes (7-0) received a bit of a test for three quarters from Palmetto before opening the game up in the fourth quarter. Probably a good wake-up call that will not help Manatee much in the national rankings. Next: Friday at 5-1 St. Petersburg in a battle of undefeated teams in the district.